NCJ Number
140856
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 20 Issue: 6 Dated: (1992) Pages: 527-539
Date Published
1992
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Data was collected from a sample of 723 males, between the ages of 17 and 79, who were arrested for DWI in Louisiana in 1985. The data was used to test the hypothesis that the population of DWI offenders is not homogeneous and that the multiple DWI offenders would show greater evidence of global criminality.
Abstract
Based on the theory of generality of deviance, the research compared the number and types of arrests as recorded in the criminal history records and blood alcohol content levels of those persons charged with first offenses and those charged with second or subsequent DWI offenses. The findings strongly supported the generality of deviance theory. Multiple DWI offenders were more likely than first-time DWI offenders to have committed other criminal acts, including violent crimes. They were also more likely to have been involved in accidents than the group of first-time offenders. Those subjects with a prior DWI arrest and those with a prior criminal history were more likely to have a higher blood alcohol content level than first-time offenders. The results gave credence to previous findings linking criminality and high rates of alcohol consumption. In terms of treatment options, the authors recommend that multiple DWI offenders be evaluated based upon their prior criminal records in addition to the circumstances of their current offense. 5 tables, 2 figures, 3 notes, and 38 references